Khalil Mack, Chargers Reportedly Agree to Contract in NFL Free Agency Amid Retirement Rumors

Nine-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Khalil Mack is returning for a fifth season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Mack and the Chargers have agreed to a one-year contract ahead of free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday.

The news comes shortly after ESPN's Kris Rhim reported Mack would play in 2026 after having "mulled retirement" this offseason.

Mack, 35, was originally traded by the Chicago Bears to the Chargers ahead of the 2022 season.

The edge rusher has played his last two seasons with the Chargers on one-year deals, including the $18 million contract he inked with the Bolts ahead of the 2025 season.

Early in a Week 2 matchup, Mack suffered an elbow injury that sidelined him for five games and kept him on a limited snap count for a sixth.

Despite being held to 424 defensive snaps, he recorded 32 tackles (six for loss) alongside 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 11 quarterback hits and a safety in 12 games.

The Chargers are already bracing for change next season after losing defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens' head coaching vacancy.

Bringing in Mack for another season will allow new DC Chris O'Leary to keep some continuity on the Chargers' defensive staff.

The Bolts will hope a healthier season from Mack will allow him to the production levels that earned him Pro Bowl nods in each of his first three seasons with the Chargers.

Mack will now look to cap off his age-35 season by earning the first playoff win of his career. The Chargers' loss to the New England Patriots in January's Wild Card round dropped Mack's career record in playoff games to 0-6.